Method for making bi-metallic members

ABSTRACT

A method for making bi-metallic members includes the steps of anodizing aluminum coming off of a coil, providing a metallic outer ring member having an inner hollow section by using a die to punch out the member off of the coil, providing a metallic inner core member by using a die to punch out the member off of the coil so that its shape fits within the inner hollow section of the metallic outer ring member, inserting the metallic inner core member into the inner hollow section of the metallic outer ring member so as to form a bi-metallic member, stamping the bi-metallic member to thereby hold the metallic inner core member and the metallic outer ring member together.

FIELD Of THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to metallurgy but more particularly to a method for making bi-metallic members.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bi-metallic coins are used in many countries as their higher denomination coinage because it is difficult to replicate or counterfeit. Other objects such as medals and tokens also use bi-metals in a similar fashion. Bi-metallic members are usually composed of a core and a ring that are either electroplated steel or metallic alloy. Coins, because of their handling, tend to wear out fast and lose their shininess. Because of that, coins are regularly recuperated by banks who send them back to the mint where they are melted and recycled into new coins. The process of melting and stamping new coins is quite onerous. Depending on the amount of coins a particular country has in circulation, even if a small percentage is being recycled, that cost can be noticeable. If coins could last longer, millions could be saved in coin stamping.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known devices now present in the prior art, the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide objects and advantages which are:

To provide for a method for using colored anodized aluminum for bi-metallic coinage or medals and tokens.

In order to do so, the invention consists in the process of making bi-metallic members with an inner core made of anodized aluminum. The anodizing process can not only color aluminum in any one of a variety of colors, but the process also provide a very strong coating on the surface. In fact, only diamonds are known to be harder than an anodized aluminum coating. The insertion and stamping can be done using the same process currently used in minting coins and as such, does not require any new equipment. Also, both parts of the piece can be made from aluminum and colored differently. This principle is to ensure that there will be no discoloration or tarnishing on the anodized parts.

The use of aluminum makes it possible for the manufacturing cost to be lower and the use of anodized aluminum makes the shiny coin finish last longer. In this manner, coins do not need to be renewed as often, and when they are renewed, the cost is lower.

The method further includes the steps of:

a. anodizing aluminum coming off of a coil;

b. providing a metallic outer ring member having an inner hollow section by using a die to punch out the member off of the coil;

c. providing a metallic inner core member by using a die to punch out the member off the coil so that its shape fits within the inner hollow section of the metallic outer ring member;

d. inserting the metallic inner core member into the inner hollow section of the metallic outer ring member so as to form a bi-metallic member;

e. stamping the bi-metallic member to thereby hold the metallic inner core member and the metallic outer ring member together.

The step of stamping the bi-metallic member further includes providing an engraved image upon the surfaces of the metallic inner core member and the metallic outer ring member, to thereby provide an identifying image upon the bi-metallic member which can then be used as a monetary coin, token or medal.

The metallic outer ring member is formed from a metallic material which can be any alloy.

The metallic inner core member is formed from a non-ferrous metal chosen from a list comprising aluminum, zinc, and platinum.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction, to the arrangements or shape or size of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter which contains illustrated preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Flowchart of the steps of the prior art.

FIG. 2 Flowchart of the steps of this instant invention.

FIG. 3[A] Isometric view of an example of [the] bi-metallic member.

FIG. 3B Isometric view of the ring part the bi-metallic member.

FIG. 3C Isometric view of the inner core of the bi-metallic member

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method for making a colored anodized aluminum inner core (10) for making a bi-metallic member (12), such as a coin, token or a medal having a metallic outer ring member (14), consists in a first step of anodizing the inner core (10) with a coloring agent so as to create an anodized portion (15).

Once anodized, the inner core (10) is inserted into an inner hollow section (16) of the outer ring member (14) so as to make the bi-metallic member (12).

Once the bimetallic member (12) is created, it is stamped with an engraving image into a coin, token, or medal.

In a preferred method, the anodized aluminum is produced by using a roll of aluminum sheet AKA a coil that is unrolled so as to go through an anodizing process. The anodized aluminum sheet continues its course onto a cutting and stamping machine which cuts and mints the aluminum into coins. Or at least one of the two parts which constitutes a two part bi-metallic coin. A parallel process handles the other part of the two part coin in a similar fashion that is anodizing off a coil and then stamping. In the case where a metal other than aluminum is used, such as an alloy material, or steel for example, the anodizing process is skipped in favor of cladding or plating.

The two parts are then joined together in a fashion similar to the way bi-metallic coins are joined together in the art.

Alternatively, the coil of aluminum can be rewound after anodization so as to be moved to a different location where the coil is again un-rolled but for passing through the cutting and stamping machine.

In both cases, the leftover coil material is rolled again onto a coil and sent for metal recycling.

Using coils is more efficient compared to current methods because the steps of rimming, cleaning, burnishing, plating, and annealing are no longer required.

As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

1. A method for making bi-metallic members consisting in the steps of: a. anodizing aluminum coming off of a coil; b. providing a metallic outer ring member having an inner hollow section by using a die to punch out metal from said coil so as to create said metallic outer ring member; c. providing a metallic inner core member by using a die to punch out metal from said coil so as to create said metallic inner member which is configured and sized so as to fit inside said metallic outer ring member; d. inserting said metallic inner core member into said inner hollow section of said metallic outer ring member so as to form a bi-metallic member; e. stamping said bi-metallic member to thereby hold said metallic inner core member and said metallic outer ring member together.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein an engraved image upon the surfaces of said metallic inner core member and said metallic outer ring member is created, to thereby provide an identifying image upon said bi-metallic member.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein metals other than aluminum use a plating process.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein metals other than aluminum use a cladding process.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein metals other than aluminum use an alloy material. 